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Nosy Parker
Globe & Mail bestselling Lesley Crewe’s new novel brings readers to 1960s Montreal & features a nosy would-be child detective searching for the truth about her mother.
It’s 1967 in Montreal, the Expo is in full swing, and Audrey Parker has just moved with her dad to Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a whole new neighbourhood full of different kinds of people to spy on. Audrey is a lot of articulate, disarming, forthright. And, as her father reminds her often, indecently nosy.
Audrey scribbles every observation down in her notebooks — from which foods her new teacher eats for lunch, to how blue the water is in Greece, to what time the one-legged man across the street gets home. She is certain she will soon root out a murderer or uncover a mystery. But there’s only one mystery that really matters to her mother. Who was she? How did she die? Why won’t her father ever talk about her?
Over a year of Audrey’s life, we bike with her through the streets of NDG, encountering stray animals, free-range kids, and adults both viciously cruel and wonderful. And we walk with Audrey across the threshold from childhood to adolescence, where she will discover the truth about her mother.
Balancing humour and sadness as expertly as ever, author Lesley Crewe — who has so often captured Cape Breton perfectly on the page — turns her incisive observations for the first time to the NDG of the 1960s, where she grew up.
It’s 1967 in Montreal, the Expo is in full swing, and Audrey Parker has just moved with her dad to Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a whole new neighbourhood full of different kinds of people to spy on. Audrey is a lot of articulate, disarming, forthright. And, as her father reminds her often, indecently nosy.
Audrey scribbles every observation down in her notebooks — from which foods her new teacher eats for lunch, to how blue the water is in Greece, to what time the one-legged man across the street gets home. She is certain she will soon root out a murderer or uncover a mystery. But there’s only one mystery that really matters to her mother. Who was she? How did she die? Why won’t her father ever talk about her?
Over a year of Audrey’s life, we bike with her through the streets of NDG, encountering stray animals, free-range kids, and adults both viciously cruel and wonderful. And we walk with Audrey across the threshold from childhood to adolescence, where she will discover the truth about her mother.
Balancing humour and sadness as expertly as ever, author Lesley Crewe — who has so often captured Cape Breton perfectly on the page — turns her incisive observations for the first time to the NDG of the 1960s, where she grew up.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
79 people are currently reading
1906 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Crewe
19 books722 followersLesley grew up in Montreal, PQ. After graduating from Concordia University with a degree in English and Education, she and her hubby settled down in Homeville, Cape Breton and raised a family.
From 2000-2005, Lesley was a features writer and columnist (Home Fires) for Cape Bretoner Magazine, and from 2005-2009, a columnist (Lesley's Letters) with the on-line magazine, Cahoots.
In 2005 her first novel, Relative Happiness, was published by Vagrant Press, the fiction imprint of Nimbus Publishing. It was an instant bestseller, and was shortlisted for the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. She has since written nine other novels.
In 2012, Relative Happiness was optioned for film, and in 2014, Lesley's characters came to life on the big screen. The movie was produced by Wreckhouse Productions, directed by Deanne Foley, and stars Australian Melissa Bergland (Winners and Losers), and homegrown Canadian talent like Susan Kent (This Hour has 22 Minutes), Jonathan Torrens (Mr. D, Trailer Park Boys), and Rob Welles (Trailer Park Boys).
From 2000-2005, Lesley was a features writer and columnist (Home Fires) for Cape Bretoner Magazine, and from 2005-2009, a columnist (Lesley's Letters) with the on-line magazine, Cahoots.
In 2005 her first novel, Relative Happiness, was published by Vagrant Press, the fiction imprint of Nimbus Publishing. It was an instant bestseller, and was shortlisted for the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. She has since written nine other novels.
In 2012, Relative Happiness was optioned for film, and in 2014, Lesley's characters came to life on the big screen. The movie was produced by Wreckhouse Productions, directed by Deanne Foley, and stars Australian Melissa Bergland (Winners and Losers), and homegrown Canadian talent like Susan Kent (This Hour has 22 Minutes), Jonathan Torrens (Mr. D, Trailer Park Boys), and Rob Welles (Trailer Park Boys).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
July 4, 2022
I would give this book 100 stars if I could! Oh how I love it! Lesley Crewe, you've done it again - Nosy Parker is a gem of a gem. I could hardly wait to read it and then I didn't want it to end! Much like her previous bestseller, The Spoon Stealer, this book touched all the right parts of me, and Audrey Parker & her family, and various friends will be with me forever.
I see myself in so much of Audrey when I was her age, it's almost like I was there with her. Of course, the book is about a somewhat precocious and very intelligent almost-teenager trying to learn about her deceased mother as she struggles to adapt to a new neighbourhood, meet and make new friends, and cope with the usual things thrown at a pre-pubescent girl.
Set in 1967 Montreal, various historical events of that time period are woven into the story, bringing it even more to life. The characters are realistic, the mind of Miss Nosy is keen, observant, and full of imagination. These characters ranged from the pre-school twins next door to the elderly neighbour who fought in WWI, the Great War. Audrey learns from each of them. There is an abundance of humour and I snickered, giggled, and guffawed my way through, with glee and understanding.
Audrey also has to deal with a new school, new friends, and trying to understand what makes people tick. For this, she keeps a notebook with her at all times, to record various observations for future reference.
One of the things Crewe does so well, in my opinion, is include animals (remember Vera?), and make them important to the story. And there were lovely pets - cats, dogs - who meant a great deal to their owners.
The ending, for me, is complete and satisfying. I could go on and on about this book, but I think you get the idea. I ADORED it! Thank you, Lesley Crewe - you are an exceptional writer and I can only hope there are many more to come from you. I also hope this book is at least as successful as the last (I'm pretty confident it will be).
Happy reading, everyone! ♥
I see myself in so much of Audrey when I was her age, it's almost like I was there with her. Of course, the book is about a somewhat precocious and very intelligent almost-teenager trying to learn about her deceased mother as she struggles to adapt to a new neighbourhood, meet and make new friends, and cope with the usual things thrown at a pre-pubescent girl.
Set in 1967 Montreal, various historical events of that time period are woven into the story, bringing it even more to life. The characters are realistic, the mind of Miss Nosy is keen, observant, and full of imagination. These characters ranged from the pre-school twins next door to the elderly neighbour who fought in WWI, the Great War. Audrey learns from each of them. There is an abundance of humour and I snickered, giggled, and guffawed my way through, with glee and understanding.
Audrey also has to deal with a new school, new friends, and trying to understand what makes people tick. For this, she keeps a notebook with her at all times, to record various observations for future reference.
One of the things Crewe does so well, in my opinion, is include animals (remember Vera?), and make them important to the story. And there were lovely pets - cats, dogs - who meant a great deal to their owners.
The ending, for me, is complete and satisfying. I could go on and on about this book, but I think you get the idea. I ADORED it! Thank you, Lesley Crewe - you are an exceptional writer and I can only hope there are many more to come from you. I also hope this book is at least as successful as the last (I'm pretty confident it will be).
Happy reading, everyone! ♥
October 27, 2023
When I read that this book takes place in Montreal in 1967, I had to read it! I grew up in Montreal and in 1967, I was 11 years old. The “star” of this book is Audrey, who is 12 years old. Mentioned in the book is Expo “67- the world’s fair that took place in Montreal that year. I was there! This was a total nostalgia read for me.
We meet Audrey, a precocious 12 year old, the year she and her Dad move to a new home in NDG. We follow her over the course of ~ 2 years as she starts a new school, makes new friends- a coming of age story. She meets some really wonderful mother figures- she starts questioning why she knows absolutely nothing of her own dead mother. This is the underlying quest.
What I enjoyed about the book: references to Montreal, Expo ‘67, landmarks, characters that were very well drawn out. Audrey was a larger than life 12 year old. She definitely made me laugh with some of her comments.
The negatives: this book probably should have been labelled YA. It kind of reminded me of a Trixie Belden book ( I loved those at age 11-12). The story was very simplistic. It lost its momentum as we followed Audrey’s day to day- going to school, girl guides, her first play, her first babysitting job, getting mono…. Audrey always seemed to be the hero in all scenarios.
Overall, a sweet story of a girl at a crossroads and where the truth leads when it is revealed.
Published: 2022.
We meet Audrey, a precocious 12 year old, the year she and her Dad move to a new home in NDG. We follow her over the course of ~ 2 years as she starts a new school, makes new friends- a coming of age story. She meets some really wonderful mother figures- she starts questioning why she knows absolutely nothing of her own dead mother. This is the underlying quest.
What I enjoyed about the book: references to Montreal, Expo ‘67, landmarks, characters that were very well drawn out. Audrey was a larger than life 12 year old. She definitely made me laugh with some of her comments.
The negatives: this book probably should have been labelled YA. It kind of reminded me of a Trixie Belden book ( I loved those at age 11-12). The story was very simplistic. It lost its momentum as we followed Audrey’s day to day- going to school, girl guides, her first play, her first babysitting job, getting mono…. Audrey always seemed to be the hero in all scenarios.
Overall, a sweet story of a girl at a crossroads and where the truth leads when it is revealed.
Published: 2022.
February 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this book . My favourite so far in 2024 ! I love Audrey Nosy Parker ! Nosy is because well she is ! The book starts out when she is 12 years old and she lives in N.D.G in Montreal Quebec. It is 1967 ! She lives with her dad and she spends her time checking out people and writing about them in her notebook she considers herself a spy but no she is Nosy ….lol ! All her neighbours have different stories about them ! Mrs Weiner is my favourite neighbour I wish I had a neighbour like her . Oh yeah I forgot to tell you all that Audrey’s mom died years ago . So whenever she asks about her mom her father or Aunt Maureen change the subject! We read about her first year in High school and find out that she is a fantastic actress in her high school play ! I love these books where the first person is a child or teen because we get their perspective of what it’s like to grow up in that time Period . This time period is in the 60’s where there was no social media , iPhones or tablets! It was playing outside , being in Girl guides , Summer Camp and school plays . I just loved Audrey and it feels now like I lost a friend who moved away !
Lesley Crewe is my new favourite author and I will be reading more of her books !
Lesley Crewe is my new favourite author and I will be reading more of her books !
August 5, 2022
I love Lesley Crewe’s writing and this is no exception. In many ways I was Audrey Parker because I was only a year older than her in 1967 and although I didn’t live in Montreal, I was an only child raised by my father with an aunt big in the picture. I felt so connected to this coming of age story. The writing style is easy and the day to day encounters and events very much like a journal. Again, as with many of her others novels, I laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed this snapshot of 1967 Montreal. #indigemployee
December 29, 2022
I didn't think I would finish another book by the end of the year, but I could not stop reading this one! Fantastic characters, setting, timeframe, story - loved it all. Lesley Crewe is such a wonderful author!
March 15, 2023
“Nosy Parker” was a fun read. This was my first book by Lesley Crewe and it topped my expectations. I loved the characters and they were well developed. Audrey’s character was realistic, loveable and funny. The women that lived in the neighborhood became mother figures to Audrey and were there for her when she needed them the most. Once I got started reading I felt like I couldn’t put the book down. You feel like you are with Audrey through all the big and little moments and are experiencing them for yourself.
August 12, 2022
This was a fun read but not what I have come to want from Crewe. This is reminiscent of her earlier humour books. Audrey is a fun and engaging character but Crewe’s more recent books have had much more depth, while still keeping some humour. I loved The Spoon Stealer, Beholden and Amazing Grace. I want more of that.
March 17, 2024
I love books that have Canadian settings. I have been a fan of this author for many years. It’s an enjoyable story with believable characters and described many places my parents either grew up in or visited in Montreal area.
August 7, 2023
Hey Audrey, let’s have a cheap date again! Thanks for all the happiness and sadness you've brought to me. A book full of humor, warmth, and emotion.
January 18, 2023
Title:
Nosy Parker
Author: Lesley Crewe
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 2.50
Pub Date: June 28, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Nostalgic • Uneventful • Deceptive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
It's 1967 in Montreal and Audrey and her father have just moved to their new neighbourhood of NDG. Here Audrey has new people to spy on with the hopes of uncovering some kind of huge mystery, although the one mystery that really matters to her is her late mother.
Over the span of a year, Audrey unearths her new neighbourhood - befriending stray animals, making new friends, trying new things, and becoming part of a tight knit community. And of course, she will finally discover the truth about her mother.
💭 T H O U G H T S
In an attempt to discover and support more (new & veteran) Canadian authors, I pre-ordered Nosy Parker by Lesley Crewe with high hopes. Set in Quebec (where I'm from), the premise sounded promising, but as whole this novel definitely feel flat.
Tinged with a humorous tone I couldn't quite jive with, I considered DNFing this book at several points in the first 150 pages. The characters and setting were both interesting, but the plot lacked depth. I did keep going, and I must admit the last third is where the strength of this story lies. It redeemed some of the mundaneness, however, it's hard to let go of how slow and boring this book was for the first half.
Don't let my experience discourage you from picking this one up, especially if you enjoy character driven, community centric stories. While Nosy Parker didn't necessarily work for me, I do think Lesley Crewe has a unique writing style I'd be interested in exploring more.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of Lesley Crewe
• readers born during the 60s
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, death of partner, animal death, sexual assault, cancer, addiction, drug abuse, overdose
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Kindness is a decision."
"That's the trouble when you move away. It's like you close a book and suddenly the characters who walked through your life are not there anymore. You miss them."
Author: Lesley Crewe
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 2.50
Pub Date: June 28, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Nostalgic • Uneventful • Deceptive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
It's 1967 in Montreal and Audrey and her father have just moved to their new neighbourhood of NDG. Here Audrey has new people to spy on with the hopes of uncovering some kind of huge mystery, although the one mystery that really matters to her is her late mother.
Over the span of a year, Audrey unearths her new neighbourhood - befriending stray animals, making new friends, trying new things, and becoming part of a tight knit community. And of course, she will finally discover the truth about her mother.
💭 T H O U G H T S
In an attempt to discover and support more (new & veteran) Canadian authors, I pre-ordered Nosy Parker by Lesley Crewe with high hopes. Set in Quebec (where I'm from), the premise sounded promising, but as whole this novel definitely feel flat.
Tinged with a humorous tone I couldn't quite jive with, I considered DNFing this book at several points in the first 150 pages. The characters and setting were both interesting, but the plot lacked depth. I did keep going, and I must admit the last third is where the strength of this story lies. It redeemed some of the mundaneness, however, it's hard to let go of how slow and boring this book was for the first half.
Don't let my experience discourage you from picking this one up, especially if you enjoy character driven, community centric stories. While Nosy Parker didn't necessarily work for me, I do think Lesley Crewe has a unique writing style I'd be interested in exploring more.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of Lesley Crewe
• readers born during the 60s
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, death of partner, animal death, sexual assault, cancer, addiction, drug abuse, overdose
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Kindness is a decision."
"That's the trouble when you move away. It's like you close a book and suddenly the characters who walked through your life are not there anymore. You miss them."
January 19, 2023
What a lovely book. I'm a little embarrassed that I've never heard of this prolific Canadian female writer. It makes sense that I gravitated towards her newest book, as I apparently enjoy reading books by Canadian women with a girl for a narrator. This is my 4th (others are Fight Night, Come, Thou Tortoise and The Agony of Bun O'Keefe). It's a useful narrative tool because it filters the dark parts of life through the eyes of a child. The last page destroyed me in the best possible way, and the rest of the book was heartwarming and funny, with a supporting cast of characters that I want turned into CBC's next Schitt's Creek.
November 10, 2022
I found this book to be very juvenile and wondered if it was written for young adults. The writing was very basic and although the main character was somewhat interesting, overall I did not enjoy this read.
March 21, 2022
I really enjoyed Nosy (Inquisitive) Parker, by Lesley Crewe.
"Goodnight Nosy...
"Hey. I'm not nosy. I'm inquisitive."
"Do you have my thesaurus, by any chance?"
My hand reaches out from underneath the sheets to give it to him. Pg 2-3
Set in Montreal in 1967, it is a story about 12 year Audrey Parker’s coming of age experiences and her social adjustments to moving into a new community and attending new schools. Being raised by a single middle age Dad who owns a publishing company, Audrey is a complete delight. I dearly love her ‘Women I Admire Notebook’ and her interpretations of what goes on around her.
“I spent what seemed like hours listening to the mind-numbing details of life in Tudor England. The only fact that stays with me is King Henry VIII was definitely a serial killer. Several headless queens can vouch for that.” pg 26
If you have enjoyed Lesley Crew’s previous emotional tugging stories, then you will not be disappointed in this one. When you read Nosy Parker you are guaranteed to laugh and to cry as you ride the emotional roller coaster of Audrey’s life.
"Math is not my strong suit. Neither is French. I am absolutely hopeless at French. It's like a foreign language. pg 24
"Goodnight Nosy...
"Hey. I'm not nosy. I'm inquisitive."
"Do you have my thesaurus, by any chance?"
My hand reaches out from underneath the sheets to give it to him. Pg 2-3
Set in Montreal in 1967, it is a story about 12 year Audrey Parker’s coming of age experiences and her social adjustments to moving into a new community and attending new schools. Being raised by a single middle age Dad who owns a publishing company, Audrey is a complete delight. I dearly love her ‘Women I Admire Notebook’ and her interpretations of what goes on around her.
“I spent what seemed like hours listening to the mind-numbing details of life in Tudor England. The only fact that stays with me is King Henry VIII was definitely a serial killer. Several headless queens can vouch for that.” pg 26
If you have enjoyed Lesley Crew’s previous emotional tugging stories, then you will not be disappointed in this one. When you read Nosy Parker you are guaranteed to laugh and to cry as you ride the emotional roller coaster of Audrey’s life.
"Math is not my strong suit. Neither is French. I am absolutely hopeless at French. It's like a foreign language. pg 24
April 22, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I began reading this book but didn't complete it before another person requested it at my local library. After patiently waiting my turn, I finally had the opportunity to finish it. What a delightful tale it turned out to be! I found myself thoroughly enjoying it, and I even welled up with tears by the end.
I truly love Lesley Crewe’s writing.
I began reading this book but didn't complete it before another person requested it at my local library. After patiently waiting my turn, I finally had the opportunity to finish it. What a delightful tale it turned out to be! I found myself thoroughly enjoying it, and I even welled up with tears by the end.
I truly love Lesley Crewe’s writing.
October 24, 2024
This book was an absolute delight to read. It actually made me giggle out loud at almost every turn of the page. Just a light-hearted fun-loving read. 😊 I needed it right now!
December 16, 2024
Another engaging book by one of my favourite authors. Wonderful character development. Several laugh out loud moments. I also enjoyed the Montreal setting (NDG) in 1967.
September 12, 2022
I wanted to love this book because I am a big fan of Crewe's work, but it just fell flat for me.
It wasn't bad, but if the book had suddenly disappeared when I was part way through I don't think I would have been sad about not being able to finish it. A jumble of events, a character description that never seems to pan out, and a couple of important storylines that develop over several chapters then just vanish. Then, the ending felt awkward, almost like having a new narrator introduced at the last minute, and it had me wishing it had not been included.
Interesting characters and setting, but barely a 3/5 for me.
It wasn't bad, but if the book had suddenly disappeared when I was part way through I don't think I would have been sad about not being able to finish it. A jumble of events, a character description that never seems to pan out, and a couple of important storylines that develop over several chapters then just vanish. Then, the ending felt awkward, almost like having a new narrator introduced at the last minute, and it had me wishing it had not been included.
Interesting characters and setting, but barely a 3/5 for me.
July 22, 2022
Very seldomly has a book made me laugh out loud and cry too. This one did.
January 11, 2023
Audrey Parker, you remind me of my little Audrey. What a wonderful coming of age story. I laughed and cried. Thank you Lesley for such a wonderful heartfelt read ❤️
July 22, 2023
As always once you start one of her books you can’t put it down and always some belly laughs❤️
March 1, 2025
Loved this one. Have enjoyed every book I have read of hers
July 9, 2022
“Hey! I'm not nosy. I'm inquisitive.” This is our introduction to Audrey “Nosy” Parker. She's a 12 year old girl who lives with her father. Her mother has passed away. She is 12 years old who has the soul of a full grown adult.
She and her father have just moved to Montreal, the year is 1967. Expo is just opening. Having visited Expo a couple of memorable times myself, their visits brought back memories.
This is definitely a character driven book, as most of Ms Crewe's books are. Audrey's world is full of wonderful and unique and diverse people. She has a grumpy but kindly aunt. Her neighbour is a frazzled Jewish mother of naughty twin boys who always finds time for Audrey. The housekeeper is Ukrainian with a tragic backstory. And, then there is Tom, who starts out as orange the cat from hell but settles into a comfortable life with Audrey and her father. And many more. It takes a village to raise a child and Audrey's village is exceptional!
Audrey herself is a young lady to be reckoned with. She is curious, kind, intuitive and sensitive. One of her biggest goals is to find out what happened to her mother, something that her father is very reluctant to talk about.
As always, Ms Crewe's book is a joy to read. She seems to be the master of unique (quirky?) characters. It is fun to watch Audrey forge her way through adolescence. And, she brings back the memories that transitioning out of childhood isn't always easy. The reader can't help but love her and want to give her a hug.
The ending is not a total surprise. The words were already leading us in the direction. But, this did not detract from devouring the book!
The epilogue was perfect. It even brought a few tears to my eyes.
Thank you Ms Crewe for giving us another unforgettable character to read about.
She and her father have just moved to Montreal, the year is 1967. Expo is just opening. Having visited Expo a couple of memorable times myself, their visits brought back memories.
This is definitely a character driven book, as most of Ms Crewe's books are. Audrey's world is full of wonderful and unique and diverse people. She has a grumpy but kindly aunt. Her neighbour is a frazzled Jewish mother of naughty twin boys who always finds time for Audrey. The housekeeper is Ukrainian with a tragic backstory. And, then there is Tom, who starts out as orange the cat from hell but settles into a comfortable life with Audrey and her father. And many more. It takes a village to raise a child and Audrey's village is exceptional!
Audrey herself is a young lady to be reckoned with. She is curious, kind, intuitive and sensitive. One of her biggest goals is to find out what happened to her mother, something that her father is very reluctant to talk about.
As always, Ms Crewe's book is a joy to read. She seems to be the master of unique (quirky?) characters. It is fun to watch Audrey forge her way through adolescence. And, she brings back the memories that transitioning out of childhood isn't always easy. The reader can't help but love her and want to give her a hug.
The ending is not a total surprise. The words were already leading us in the direction. But, this did not detract from devouring the book!
The epilogue was perfect. It even brought a few tears to my eyes.
Thank you Ms Crewe for giving us another unforgettable character to read about.
December 11, 2022
It’s official, I am in love with Lesley Crewe... and also with Audrey Parker, with both of them actually, and also with Mrs Weiner, definitely with Mrs Weiner and Mrs Papadopolous too and even with Aunt Maureen. All these women open their homes and their hearts to Audrey, a 12 year old spy (not a very good one because she keeps telling everyone she is a spy) with an expanding vocabulary, an inquisitive nature, a kind heart, a loving father, and a strong suspicion that Girl Guides is a cult organization (I can relate on the latter as I spent much of my time in those same years on latrine duty in my Girl Scout troop!) All this takes place in a wonderful 1960s Montreal neighbourhood where looking out for one another is far more important than one’s religion or ancestral background. As Audrey says on the occasion of her 13th birthday; “but what I love about the world is that we are very similar, despite our differences. Take the friends at my party. Jews, Greeks, Scots, Brits, Ukrainians, Canadians. We all like each other.” Even the stick-up-her-arse WASP mother of Audrey’s best friend plays an important part in her life.
Lesley Crewe always creates such wonderful characters but usually they are Maritimers which being one makes them close to my heart. With this book she has stepped outside of Nova Scotia, outside of Atlantic Canada altogether, to bring us perhaps her best characters ever (well, it is pretty hard to top Vera). With almost every page I giggled, chuckled, or downright laughed-out-loud until the end when I was a puddle of tears. I honestly can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a book so much.
Audrey keeps a “Women I Admire” notebook which I think is a stupendous idea. I will definitely have to put Lesley Crewe in my notebook!!
Lesley Crewe always creates such wonderful characters but usually they are Maritimers which being one makes them close to my heart. With this book she has stepped outside of Nova Scotia, outside of Atlantic Canada altogether, to bring us perhaps her best characters ever (well, it is pretty hard to top Vera). With almost every page I giggled, chuckled, or downright laughed-out-loud until the end when I was a puddle of tears. I honestly can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a book so much.
Audrey keeps a “Women I Admire” notebook which I think is a stupendous idea. I will definitely have to put Lesley Crewe in my notebook!!
December 7, 2022
Staff Reads #14-Nosy Parker by Lesley Crew
Lesley Crewe books are like a warm hug from an old friend; you just know from the start it is going to be good, and Nosy Parker is no different. Audrey Rosemary Parker aka Nosy Parker is 11 years old and has just moved to a new suburb of Montreal with her father. Her Aunt Maureen has stepped in as surrogate mother helping her brother raise young Audrey after the loss of her mother at a young age. But Audrey is no ordinary kid as she fancies herself a detective. She constantly keeps notes on the goings on of the neighborhood. Audrey is sure she is going to solve a mystery or crime someday. But that is not what is most important to her. She wants to know about her mother, that she never got to know. Her father always changes the subject when she presses him for memories of her mother, and she wants to know why. Over the course of the next year Audrey will go on her own search, one that will ultimately bring her and her father to a final showdown with a crushing emotional blow. A wonderfully touching read about the love, bonds and forgiveness between a parent and child.
Lesley Crewe books are like a warm hug from an old friend; you just know from the start it is going to be good, and Nosy Parker is no different. Audrey Rosemary Parker aka Nosy Parker is 11 years old and has just moved to a new suburb of Montreal with her father. Her Aunt Maureen has stepped in as surrogate mother helping her brother raise young Audrey after the loss of her mother at a young age. But Audrey is no ordinary kid as she fancies herself a detective. She constantly keeps notes on the goings on of the neighborhood. Audrey is sure she is going to solve a mystery or crime someday. But that is not what is most important to her. She wants to know about her mother, that she never got to know. Her father always changes the subject when she presses him for memories of her mother, and she wants to know why. Over the course of the next year Audrey will go on her own search, one that will ultimately bring her and her father to a final showdown with a crushing emotional blow. A wonderfully touching read about the love, bonds and forgiveness between a parent and child.
March 13, 2025
Audrey Parker is twelve years old when she and her father move to a new neighbourhood in Montreal. She uses her detective skills to spy on her new neighbours, keeping detailed notes on their mundane lives in her notebooks. She is sure she is going to uncover a criminal or a spy in her quiet neighbourhood, but the mystery that concerns her the most is what happened to her deceased mother that her father and aunt never talk about. And rather than uncovering a criminal or a spy, she just meets a group of slightly eccentric people that become the village that raises a motherless child. Audrey is the most delightful character I have encountered in some time. The author has a pretty good grasp of what it is like to be a twelve year old girl, and of the fickle nature of friendship at that age. Audrey and her friends remind me of me and my friends at that age. There is a lot of humor in this book, along with a touching coming of age story. The setting in 1967 carries us back to a simpler time which I enjoyed visiting. It was a little bit before my time, but was pure nostalgia as the author referenced familiar bits of pop culture that I had forgotten. This is the first Lesley Crewe book I have read, and it won't be the last.
January 14, 2023
Really enjoyed this book written by another great Canadian author who lives in cape breton Nova Scotia. I enjoyed her other book , the spoon stealer so much that I knew I had to read more of her books. I usually read murder mysteries so nosy Parker was quite an entertaining, interesting change for me. It reminded me a lot of my pre teen years and made me chuckle especially when she talked about her experiences in girl guides, which I also joined when I was a young girl. I love how so well she fit into the neighbourhood and how Mother’s took her under their wing because she was motherless.
A bit disappointed that she would be leaving the neighbourhood but overall just a great book that I couldn’t wait to get back to. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
A bit disappointed that she would be leaving the neighbourhood but overall just a great book that I couldn’t wait to get back to. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
May 17, 2022
Nosy Parker by Lesley Crewe tells the sweet sometimes bitter story of Audrey. An endearing character who may in fact be my new favourite. She’s witty , charming , spirited and I’m sure if she were writing this review would have even better words than those to describe herself. :)
Childhood into teen years can be hard but the supportive and often times hilarious adults around Audrey do their absolute best . I laughed out loud at a few and her father warmed my heart. While touching on mental health and addiction , Nosy Parker is in its truest form a story of love. In any way you use your thesaurus to best describe it !
Childhood into teen years can be hard but the supportive and often times hilarious adults around Audrey do their absolute best . I laughed out loud at a few and her father warmed my heart. While touching on mental health and addiction , Nosy Parker is in its truest form a story of love. In any way you use your thesaurus to best describe it !
June 12, 2022
My first book by Lesley Crewe and it won’t be my last
A thought provoking and well crafted story. Funny and tear-jerking.
Audrey “Nosy” Parker is a 12 year old girl who has just moved to a new place and a new school when the story opens.
We follow her, her trusty thesaurus, her father and Aunt as she grows and learns so much about life over the next year.
With a satisfying epilogue to wrap things up
A thought provoking and well crafted story. Funny and tear-jerking.
Audrey “Nosy” Parker is a 12 year old girl who has just moved to a new place and a new school when the story opens.
We follow her, her trusty thesaurus, her father and Aunt as she grows and learns so much about life over the next year.
With a satisfying epilogue to wrap things up
August 12, 2022
I adore Lesley Crewe’s writing voice. She fills every character with spunk and humour and makes you feel every emotion within one book. If you read Phyllis Naylor’s “Alice” series as a child, you need to read Nosy Parker as an adult.
It was announced last night that Nosy Parker is the number one local seller in three Atlantic provinces and it is SO deserved. I have more Crewe books in my to read pile (mountain) and I can’t wait.
It was announced last night that Nosy Parker is the number one local seller in three Atlantic provinces and it is SO deserved. I have more Crewe books in my to read pile (mountain) and I can’t wait.
September 29, 2022
To no one’s surprise, Lesley Crewe has done it again. Her ability to showcase the nuances of everyday life shines through in this gem of a novel. Audrey “Nosy” Parker is witty, caring, and wise beyond her years. Surrounding her is a cast of vibrant, loveable, and most importantly, believable characters. A story perfect for all ages, and should be added to your TBR pile without question.
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